The FTA was right today to call on the telematics industry to develop “truck friendly satellite navigation systems. The problem is that systems developed for cars are not only useless but actually dangerous when used in heavy commercial vehicles. Until recently there have been no electronic maps with weight, height and width restrictions. Using a car system in a truck is dangerous because it is likely that the vehicle will be taken on a route where it will either be stuck or the driver will ignore a restriction.
The problem is that truck drivers are buying their own car satellite tracking system and using them on trucks. Some companies, such as Christian Salvesen, have sacked drivers after hitting bridges while using these car systems systems.
Mapping suitable for trucks is just being introduced. Meanwhile operators should ban car style satellite navigation systems from heavy truck cabs.
For more information on safety, read the details of the Motor Transport debate, in conjunction with Fraikin, with leading operators talking about truck safety.